… says peace greatest gift
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday, appealed to the church and people of the state to remain steadfast in prayers as he began the journey of governance afresh.
Fubara, who on Friday, resumed official duties following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule, described prayers and intercessions as the pillar of his strength, adding these will remain critical as he works towards fulfilling his mandate to the people.
The Governor stated this on Sunday at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state, where he attended a thanksgiving service.
This was his first public outing since resumption of duties on Friday.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, stated this in a statement, saying Fubara spoke at the service, which was part of the “2025 Harvest of Divine Possibilities”, thanksgiving, and which also doubled as a personal moment of gratitude.
Fubara explained that his mission was a quiet visit to return thanks to God for His faithfulness toward his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.
The Governor stated, “I am here together with my wife this first Sunday after the suspension of the state of emergency. We cannot thank God enough as a family. Our being here is private; we came simply to worship in our home church. When my story ends, this church will lead me to my next journey.
“So, it is important that I come here to say thank you quietly before the Almighty God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will continue to do, not just for me and my family, but for this State and Nigeria.”
The Governor thanked the people of Opobo for their years of fasting and intercession on his behalf, stressing that their prayers had been answered.
He likened prayers to deposits in a bank, whose dividends manifest in due season.
Fubara stressed the importance of peace in fostering unity and development, aligning his remarks with the commemoration of the International Day of Peace.
He added, “The greatest gift anyone can wish for is peace. Peace in the home prevents sickness and worry. Peace in the community attracts development. Peace within yourself promotes good health. Truly, peace is the most important thing.
“I urge everyone to hold peace dear as a symbol of unity and a foundation for the progress of our dear state.”
He reaffirmed his rededication to the service of Rivers people, urging continued prayers and support for his administration as it charts a renewed course of leadership.
The church service featured special prayers led by Venerable Emmanuel Nwuju, Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, for the First Family, the success of the administration, and the peace and prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Fubara was accompanied by his wife, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara; Chief of Staff, Dr. Edison Ehie; and other stakeholders, including Chief Oris Onyiri, Amaopusenibo Fubara Hart, Hon. Damiete Herbert Miller, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.
Also present were the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council, Barr. James A. James; his Vice, Mrs. Gladys Daniel Legg-Jack and other dignitaries.
Six months ago, President Bola Tinubu imposed an emergency rule in the state for six months following the tense political atmosphere occasioned by the feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political godfather, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu, following the emergency rule, suspended Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and the State House of Assembly and appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the State Administrator for the period of the emergency rule.
Ibas ceased to be the Administrator of the oil-rich State following the end of the six-month emergency rule, with the President directing Fubara, his deputy and the State House of Assembly to return to office from last Thursday.
